3 players leave UConn football programm

Chris Elsberry

Updated 10:26 pm, Monday, January 27, 2014

While head coach Bob Diaco and his staff continue to put the finishing touches on UConn's 2014 recruiting class, preparing to welcome -- at last count -- 15 incoming freshmen on national signing day on Feb. 5, including Ansonia standout Arkeel Newsome, three veteran names have disappeared from the Huskies' depth chart.

Running back Joe Williams, who was suspended from the team in August for allegedly stealing a credit card, has left the university, according to a source close to the program. Offensive lineman Xavier Hemmingway and defensive end E.J. Norris have not met academic standards and also have left the school, according to the source.

Hemmingway, 6-foot-5, 273-pound tackle, who would have been a redshirt junior this season, played in 10 games last season, starting the season opener against Towson.

Norris, a 6-3, 238-pound tight end, would have been a junior. He was switched from defensive tackle just before the 2013 season and caught a pass for eight yards against Buffalo and another for 10 yards versus Memphis. He also played on special teams and made four tackles.

According to a UConn police report, Williams, a 5-foot-11, 200-pounder, was arrested on Aug. 9 on charges of theft of a credit card, illegal use of a credit card, and sixth-degree larceny. He was suspended by then-coach Paul Pasqualoni, a suspension that lasted the entire season. As a freshman is 2012, Williams played in nine games and rushed for six yards against Temple on October 13. He would have been a junior.